Filling machine group with electrical control system



Oct. 10, 1950 B. s. HARRINGTON 2,525,295

- FILLING MACHINE GROUP WITH ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Nov. 25, 1948 s Sheets-Sheet 1 O 1950 B. s. HARRINGTON ,525,

FILLING MACHINE GROUP WITH ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Nov. 23, 1948 s Sheets-Sheet 2 10, 1950 B. suHARRl NGToN 2,525,295

FILLING MACHINE GROUP WITH ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Nov, 23, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Oct. 10, 1950 FILLING MACHINE GROUP WITH ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM Bertie S. Harrington, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Armour and Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application November 23, 1948, Serial No. 61,626

'7 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a filling machine group and more particularly to a plurality of filling machines which are operated in unison in connection with filling lines or conveyors.

The machines measure accurately quantities of material and are effective in discharging the measured amounts into separate containers. The machines are especially useful in the measuring and dispensing of semisolid materials, such as cheese, mayonnaise, lard, salad dressings, and spreads, and are also obviously applicable to many other uses.

An object of the invention is to provide a plurality of machines for measuring and dispensing materials into cans and'in which the speed control is determined mainly by the pressure of the material fed to the machines while at the same time providing means for causing said machines to operate in unison. Yet another object is to provide a group of filling machines fed through a common line under pressure, each of the machines being provided with control means for actuating reversing valves and the group of machines being provided with control mechanism for causing the reversing valves in the various machines, to be operated in unison. A still further object is to provide a group of filling machines fed through a common line, each machine being provided with mechanism for controlling the valve operation therein in the feeding of the measured material and the control means of each machine being synchrouized through electrical circuits arranged in series. Other specific objects and advantages will appear as the specification proceeds.

The invention is illustrated in a single embodiment, by the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a broken side view in elevation of apparatus embodying my invention; Fig. 2, a, broken side view in elevation showing the connection of two measuring and dispensing cylinders with a single feed line; Fig. 3, a diagrammatic view of the wiring layout-Which may be employed; and Fig. l, an enlarged broken detail sectional view of the filling chamber and dis pen-sing means employed.

It will be understood that the measuring and dispensing mechanism may be supported in any suitable manner and above any suitable type of A also includes vertical strap members it extending between the platform II and the upper platform 12. The frame A also has a portion i i extending above the platform l2.

Upon the frame A are mounted spaced conveyor belts 18, the belts being carried by wheels 20 mounted upon a shaft 2! in the frame A. It will be understood that similar wheels are provided at other points on the frame A for supporting the continuous conveyor belts H3. The conveyor belts it are arranged to carry containers 22 through the machine for the filling operation.

Any suitable means for driving the spaced conveyor belts may be provided. In the specific illustration given, a motor 23 is supported upon the platform II and drives through reduction gearing a shaft 24 equipped with a sprocketwheel 25. The sprocket wheel 25 is connected by a chain to a small sprocket 26 which, through its shaft and through reduction gearing, drives a second sprocket 21. The sprocket 21 is connected by a chain 28 to a sprocket mounted'upon shaft 2|, as shown more clearly in Fig. 1.

A casing member 42 is provided with a top flange 43 and is provided centrally with an opening 44 adapted to receive feed material from a manifold pipe. The casing 42 provides a manifold 45 having both ends adapted to be sealed by closures, as shown more clearly in Fig. 4. One end of the manifold is closed by an end plate 46 and the other end by a fitting 41 and a handleequipped end plate 48. The fitting 41 may be closed or, if desired, a fitting may be provided with an upwardly extending pipe 49 adapted to be connected by a pipe to the source of the material from which it is pumped to the several machines. The two closure plates 46 and 4B are connected by a threaded rod 5| which permits both of the plates to be readily removed for the cleaning operation.

The casing 42 also provides a measuring cylinder 52, as shown more clearly in Fig. 4. The cylinder 52 is provided near its ends with the inlet ports 53 communicating with opposite ends of the manifold 45. The cylinder 52 is also provided near its ends at its bottom with the outlet ports 54.

Within the measuring cylinder 52 is mounted a valve sleeve 55. The valve sleeve is provided with ports 56 and 5] adjacent each end so that upon a rocking motion of the valve the inlet port 56 will be aligned with the inlet port 53 of the cylinder 52 while at the same time the outlet port 51 will be aligned with the outlet port 54 of the cy nder .2 When the sleeve 55 is rocked back in the opposite direction, the inlet opening at the opposite end of the sleeve 55 is brought into communication with the other inlet opening 53 of the casing 52 while simultaneously the outlet opening at the opposite end of the sleeve 55 is brought into alignment with the outlet port there of the cylinder 52; Thus, the valve sleeve 55 serves as a reversing valve for alternately opening the ports at opposite ends of the cylinder 52. Within the measuring cylinder 52 within sleeve 55 is slidably supported a piston 59 having reduced extensions 60 at either end. One of the extensions 60 is preferably provided with a pin BI extending therethrough to facilitate the Withdrawal of the piston for cleaning, etc.

The cylinder 52 is closed at one end by a closure plate 62 provided with outwardl extending apertured ears. The opposite end of the cylinder 52 is also closed by a closure plate 64 having also outwardly extending apertured ears. Threaded rods 65 are employed to extend through the apertured ears and nuts engaging the ends of the rods serve to clamp the closure plates 62 and 65 against the cylinder 52.

Any suitable means may be provided for operating the reversing valve or sleeve 55. In the specific illustration given, I provide an actuating shaft 66 (Fig. 4) and the shaft 66 is provided at its inner end with a crossbar G'I having its ends engaging slots in the sleeve 55. If desired, the crossbar 65 may be integrally formed with the sleeve 55, or the sleeve 55 may be equipped with a fixed end plate to which the actuating shaft 66 is also fixed. In the specific illustration given, the rotation of shaft 66 produces a rotation of the sleeve 55 and fixed to the actuating shaft 66 is a crank arm 59 having a setscrew I engaging a recess 'II in the shaft 86. The crank arm 69 is provided at its end with a pin for supporting the actuating rod 14 and for supporting also the shaft IIIJ. 7

Any suitable means for actuating the rod I4 may be employed. In the specific illustration given, I provide a pressure fluid cylinder I5, which is supported upon platform I I of base A, as shown more clearly in Fig. l. The member I4 is pivotally connected at its bottom to a plunger I6 connected to a reciprocating piston within the cylinder I5. Since such cylinders are old, a detailed description is believed to be unnecessary. Pressure fluid such, for example, as compressed air, enters a solenoid-controlled valve I through a pipe I8. The pipe may lead from a compressor or from an suitable source of compressed air and it is provided with solenoids 19 receiving opposite ends of a shaft 80. A valve BI is carried by the shaft 80 for controlling the ports shown. The port 82 communicates through pipe 83 with the top of the cylinder. The port 04 communicates through pipe 85 with the bottom portion of the cylinder. A vent pipe 85 communicates with the atmos-. phere below the machine. The pipes 83 and 85 are preferably provided with branched conduits communicating with the cylinder and containing quick-acting valves. This structure is well known and is not therefore described in detail, the purpose of such structure being to cushion the action f the piston near the limit of its stroke while then permitting quick action after the cushion is effected.

Since the feed material is delivered under pressure into the manifold 45 and from thence into the measuring chamber, I wish to provide mechanism for preventing the building up of excess pressures while at the same time. redu i g 'eQ a 4 minimum any pause between the working strokes of the piston. To accomplish this, I provide a spring-urged rod 81 in each end plate 62 and 69, the rod being adapted to engage the extension 60 of the piston before it reaches the end of its stroke and to make a contact actuating one of the solenoids IQ of the valve 17.

In the actuating shaft 66, the rod 81 is supported for sliding movement and is urged by a spring 88 toward the plunger extension 60. The outer end of the rod 81 is adapted to engage a plunger 89 which closes a contact within the box 90 to actuate one of the solenoids I9. The cable connecting the solenoid I9 and the contact passes through the tubes 9|, as illustrated best in Figs. 1 and 4.

The rod 81 at the other end of the cylinder is supported at one end within the plug 92 and at the other end within the closure member 93. A spring 94 engages a collar 95 fixed to the rod 81 and urges it inwardly toward the piston extension 60. The outer end of this rod also is arranged to engage a plunger 89 for closing a contact within the box 90 and the electric cable extends through tubes 9| to the other solenoid I9. Thus, each of the rods 8'! is moved longitudinally before the piston 59 reaches the end of its stroke and an advance action of the valve 'I'I brings about a movement of the piston within cylinder I5 and initiates a stroke of the actuating rod I4.

In the specific illustration given in Fig. 4, the members 92 and 93 are supported within a threaded member 94 equipped with a wheel handle 91 and having notches receiving the pivoted indicator arm 98. For adjustment of the contacts to change the timing, the rod 81 may be adjusted or the plunger 89 may be adjusted. Any suitable means for adjusting the plungers or contact members may be employed for changing the timing of the reversing valve sleeve.

Any suitable means for directing the material discharged from the measuring or dispensing chamber 58 may be employed. In the specific illustration given, and as shown best in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, I provide a conduit 99 leading from each of the outlet ports 54 of the cylinder 52. The conduit 99 is preferably segmental and is connected by a coupling ring I 00 for ready cleaning. The conduit 99' at its lower end communicates with a horizontally extending dispensing tube IOI. The tube is provided at its bottom with an elongated slot or aperture I 02 through which the material such as cheese, etc., may be discharged. The ends of the tube IUI are preferably closed by plates I04 and I05. A rod I06 fixed to the plate I05 and equipped with a handle II)? has its opposite end threadedly connected to the plate I04. Thus, upon rotation of the knurled handle or disk I07, the rod I06 may be disengaged from the plate 50 I04 and the parts maybe withdrawn for cleaning.

In the handling of semisolid material, there is a tendency for a portion of the material to cling to the dispensing device and to provide a ragged or irregular body about the dispensing aperture. To take care of this and to insure the accurate filling of each container, I provide means either for cutting the suspended material away from each of the dispensing tubes IOI or for creating a suction within the dispensing tubes after each operation to cause the material to be drawn back into the tube. a

In the specific illustration given, a cross-shaft I08 is supported in the frame A and is equipped at each end with a crank arm I09. A'connecting link I I 0 is pivotally supported upon the actuating rod 14, as heretofore described, and at its other end engages a pivot pin I I I fixed to the shaft I09. Thus, with each reciprocation of. the vertical actuating rod or bar 14, the shaft I98 will be rocked.

Fixed to each end of the rockshaft I08 is a depending arm I I2, as shown more clearly in Fig. 1, and freely supported upon a in H3 at the bottom of arm I I2 is a Wiper arm II4. A spring H5 is supported by the pin I I 3 and has its other end fixed to the arm II I so as to urge the arm II4 upwardly against the bottom of the-tube IilI. A cutting wire I I8 is supported by the ends. of the spaced arms H4 and is moved simultaneously forwardly and backwardly under the spaced dispenser tubes It I. Instead of cutting the material from the bottom of the dispenser tubes I OI, a suction plunger in each of the tubes IdI may be actuated by its arm I I I for drawing the material back into the tube after each dispensing operation. Such a structure is shown in detail in Fig. 18 of my copending application Serial No. 35,193.

Any suitable means for controlling the movement of the containers 22 so as to insure their being in position for the filling operation and to insure their ready removal from such position may be provided.

In the use of the invention, I prefer to employ a group of filling devices, the devices being fed through a common supply pipe 290, as shown more clearly in Fig. 2. The supply pipe 200 is provided with T connections ZBI having a depending pipe 202 communicating with the, open ing 34 in each of the measuring and filling devices. For the purpose of illustration, I have shown two of such filling devices as indicated by the letters C and D, each of the filling machines being constructed as described hereinbefore in detail.

When such structures are arranged in sequence and are fed by a common supply line 22 as illustrated in Fig. 2, it is found that each machine responds separately, due to slight differences in pressures, so that one machine may operate very rapidly while the other machine may operate slowly or not at all. In order to insure the operation of the machines in unison, I connect the electrical cables lea-ding from corresponding ends of the filling machines in series so that the solenoids E9 in each machine are not actuated until the corresponding circuit in the other machine or machines has been closed. A wiring layout which is satisfactory is set out in Fig. 3. In the wiring layout, the incoming current is carried by lead 253 while the outgoing current is carried by the lead 254. A switch 295 is closed by the actuation of plunger 89 upon engagement with rod 8?, the switch being indicated on the drawing by the numeral 2 and the contact engaged by the switch being indicated by the numeral 206. The solenoids F9 are indicated in the wiring layout and in adjacent relation to the compressed air cylinders 75.

Assuming that the rod 8? on the right-hand side of the measuring cylinder, as shown in Fig. i, is moved to the right and into contact with the member 89, current will then flow inwardly through line 2533 and thence through line 26? to the contact point 89 and thence through the closed switch 225 to lead 288. Lead 268 extends in the circuit to the sw tch 285 in the other machine and at the corresponding end thereof (the right-hand end of the machine) and if the switch 2215 has been closed at this corresponding end in the other machine, current will flow back through lead 259 and throughlead 2I0 to one solenoid and. through lead 2 II to the other solenoid; 19, the circuit being completed from the solenoids through lines H2 and back to the outgoing lead 2%. Thus the switches 205 at the right-hand: side of the machine will be effective for completing the circuit for the two corresponding solenoids in the machines only after both of these switches have been closed, since they are connected in series. Upon the closure of both switches, the circuit is complete, as described above, and the cylinder I5 is actuated for causing the down stroke, as indicated by an arrow in Fig. 3.

When the switches 2535 at the left-hand side of each machine, as viewed in Fig. 4, are closed, the current will flow through lead 2&3 and thence through lead ZI3 to the contact 256 at the lefthand side of" Fig. 3 and thence downwardly through switch 255 to lead 2 I4. Lead ZI/i is con-- nected in series with the switch 285 and contact 286 controlling lead 2E5. If the latter switch 235 is closed, the current flows through lead 2M, switch 205, contact point 206 and thence through. lead 2| 5 to the two left solenoids. More specifically, current flows through lead 2I5 and lead 2I5 to the solenoid IQ connected therewith and thence back through lead 2i 2 to the outgoing lead 2%. Similarly, the current flows through lead H5 and lead 2H to the solenoid at the extreme left of Fig. 3, and thence back through lead 2 I 8 to lead 2 i 9 which similarlyjoins the outgoing lead 2%.

Operation In the operation of the apparatus, containers 22 are fed on separate conveyors below each pair of dispensing tubes WI. The semisolid material, etc., to be measured and dispensed into the con tainers is supplied through the pipe 200 and through the fitting 20! to manifold chambers 45 of each device C and D. The pressure will vary depending upon the material being filled. In the filling of cheese containers, I prefer to employ a pressure of from 10- to 20 pounds and preferably about 12 pounds. In the filling of other materials, thepressures will be lower in some instances and higher inother instances.

In the feeding of the material, the sleeve valve 55 rocks between positions in which it connects an inlet port at one end of the casing with the manifold and an outlet port at the opposite end of the cylinder with the interior of the measuring chamber. Under the pressure of the material, the piston 59 is moved laterally toward the end of the cylinder having its discharge port open and material is discharged through the conduit 99 and thence :out through the dispensing tube IIBI into a waiting container. As the piston moves laterally, it strikes an actuating rod 8'! which in turn engages the plunge 89 to move the switch 205 into engagement with contact 206. This closes the circuit of the corresponding solenoid provided the corresponding switch 255 of the other machine has been moved to closed position.

The two corresponding solenoids in the machines thereupon operate in unison and each reciprocates its shaft to open one of the ports to permit compressed air to pass through to the top or the bottom of the cylinder. Bar I5 is thus reciprocated and actuates crank 69 and shaft 66. Thus the sleeve 55 of each machine is rotated to open the other inlet port of the cylinder and simultaneously to open the other discharge port at the opposite end of the cylinder. The piston of each machine thereupon moves in the opposite direction, striking the other actuating rodB'I and closing the contact in the circuit of the other solenoid. Here again, the circuit is completed when the corresponding switch in both machines has been closed. The valve 8| in each machine is then shifted in the opposite direction to admit compressed air to the other end of cylinder 15 and to effect movement of the bar 14 in the opposite direction.

With each filling operation, the actuating bar effects reciprocation of the wiper shafts H4 so as to draw the cutter wire under the discharge port of each tube I04 or, if a suction device is employed, for reciprocating a plunger within the tube I04 to suck the material clinging to the edge of the discharge slot back into the tube llll.

With the structure shown, pressures may be modified to compensate for friction in the manifold pipes or supply pipes so as to operate the group of machines at any desired speed. The group may include two machines or any number of machines and the machines may be operated simultaneously with respect to one or several conveyors.

While in the foregoing specification, I have shown a single embodiment of the invention in considerable detail for the purpose of illustrating the invention, it will be understood that such details of structure may be varied widely by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. In combination, a plurality of fluid filling machines each having a measuring cylinder equipped with inlet and outlet ports adjacent its ends, a common conduit communicating with the inlets of each machine and adapted to deliver fluid thereto under pressure, reversing valve means for controlling the opening and closing of said ports, a reciprocating piston in each cylinder between said ports, electrically controlled means for actuating said valve means, normally open switches at each end of each machine, an electric circuit for said electrically controlled means connecting in series all of the switches at a corresponding end of each machine, a similar electric circuit connecting in series all of the switches at the other end of each machine, and longitudinally slidable elements adapted to be engaged by said reciprocating piston for closing said switches.

2. In combination, a plurality of fluid filling machines each having a measuring cylinder equipped with inlet and outlet ports adjacent its ends, a common conduit communicating with the inlets of each machine and adapted to deliver fluid thereto under pressure, reversing valve means for controlling the opening and closing of said ports, a reciprocating piston in each cylinder between said ports, electrically controlled means for actuating said valve means, an electric circuit for said last mentioned means, normally open switches in said circuit, and longitudinally slidable elements adapted to be engaged by said reciprocating piston for closing said switches, said circuit connecting in series the switches at one corresponding end of each machine.

3. In combination, a plurality of fluid filling machines each having a measuring cylinder equipped with inlet and outlet ports adjacent its ends, a common supply pipe communicating with the inlets of each machine and adapted to deliver fluid thereto under pressure, reversing valve means for controlling the opening and closing of said ports, solenoid-controlled means for actuating said reversing valve means, normally open switches at each end'of said machine, an electric circuit in each machine connecting the solenoid valve with the switch at the right-hand end of the machine, said circuit connecting the switches of two machines in series, a second electric circuit connecting in series the switches at the left-hand end of each machine and a corresponding solenoid in each machine, and elements engaged by said reciprocating piston for closing the switches at the ends of the machine.

4. In combination, a pair of fluid filling machines each having a measuring cylinder equipped with inlet and outlet ports adjacent its ends, a common conduit communicating with the inlets of each machine and adapted to deliver fluid thereto under pressure, reversing valve means for controlling the opening and closing of said ports, a freely slidable piston in each cylinder between said ports, electrically controlled means for actuating said valve means, normally open switches at the ends of the machines and adapted to be closed by contact with said pistons, a circuit connecting in series the left-hand switches of said machines with said electrically controlled means, and a circuit connecting in series the right-hand switches of said machines with said electrically controlled means.

5. In combination, a plurality of fluid filling machines each having a measuring cylinder equipped with inlet and outlet ports adjacent its ends, a manifold extending between said inlet ports and communicating therewith, a common feed line communicating with the manifold of each of said filling machines, reversing valve means for selectively opening an inlet and outlet port at opposite ends of each cylinder while clos ing the other ports, a reciprocating piston in each cylinder between said inlet ports, electrically controlled means for actuating said valve means, normally open switches at each end of each machine, an electric circuit for said last mentioned means connecting in series all of the switches at one corresponding end of each machine, a similar circuit connecting in series all of the switches at the other corresponding end of each machine, and means at each end of each machine adapted to be engaged by said piston for closing said switches.

6. In combination, a plurality of fluid filling machines each having a measuring cylinder equipped with inlet and outlet ports adjacent its ends, a common conduit communicating with the inlets of each machine and adapted to deliver fluid thereto under pressure, a rotary sleeve valve in each cylinder for selectively opening an inlet and outlet port at opposite ends of the cylinder while closing the other ports, electrically controlled means for rocking the sleeve to reverse the opened and closed valve ports, normally open switches at each end of each machine, an electric circuit for said electrically controlled means connecting in series all of the switches at one corresponding end of said machines, a similar electric circuit connecting in series all of the switches at the other corresponding ends of the machines, and longitudinally slidable elements adapted to be engaged by said reciprocating pistons for closing said switches.

7. In combination, a plurality of fluid filling machines each having a measuring cylinder equipped with inlet and outlet ports adjacent its ends, a common conduit communicating with the inlets of each machine and adapted to deliver fluid thereto under pressure, reversing valve means in each machine for selectively opening an inlet and outlet valve at opposite ends of the cylinder While closing the other ports, a reciproeating piston slidably mounted in said cylinder, fluid-operated means for actuating said reversing valve in each machine, a solenoid valve for controlling the flow of fluid to said fluid-operated means, circuits connecting the corresponding solenoid in the machines, normally open contacts for each machine in each of said circuits and joined together in series, and longitudinally slidable elements adapted to be engaged by said reciprocating piston for closing said circuits.

BERTIE S. HARRINGTON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

